Everyone loves Pope Francis. He’s done it again. He has written another Apostolic Exhortation, a letter to the whole Church and to each of us, inviting us to the joy of committed gospel living. There is no better way to start the year at Francis House than with this heartfelt message of encouragement and direction from our Pope. What a lovely and fruitful way to spend a September morning. Donation: $25, includes lunch and book.

TEILHARD READING GROUP9 Fridays 1:00 – 2:30 PM

September 7 December 7 March 1 October 5 January 4 April 5 November 2 February 1 May 3

Our study of Teilhard continues this year with the reading of some of Teilhard’s essays from The Heart of Matter, along with Sister Kathy Duffy’s Teilhard’s Mysticism. Please join our lively discussions about Teilhard’s vision of God’s plan for the ongoing growth and evolution of all creation into full union with God. Donation: $175, includes books.INVITATION TO INTIMACYINTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYERSunday, September 9 1:00 – 3:30 PM

What is centering prayer? Is God calling me to this form of prayer? Do I have a desire for a quiet mind, a peaceful soul, union with God, and to simply be in God’s Presence loving the God who loves me? Can centering prayer really change me? Is the fact that I can’t be still or quiet my mind a problem? Come and see. Desire is everything, God’s desire! It is well worth the afternoon. Donation: $25.

MONDAYS WITH MERTON4 Mondays 9:00 – 11:00 AM

September 10 October 29 October 1 November 26

Thomas Merton will be our guide to the contemplative way of life. In this series, we will use his recorded lectures on this topic and his book, New Seeds of Contemplation. Time will also be given to experience Lectio Divina and contemplative prayer. Led by Jill Snyder. Donation: $60, includes book.

SEASON OF CREATIONDAYS OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION2 Mondays 1:00 – 2:30 PM

September 10 October 1

Be a part of something which unites Catholics and other Christians around the world as we celebrate the Season of Creation, which begins on September 1st, The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and concludes on October 4th, The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Join us on these two special days at Francis House to pray and reflect on the gift and grace of creation. We will use segments of Laudato Sí (“On Care for Our Common Home”) and prayers and reflections from the Global Catholic Climate Movement. Led by: Jill Snyder. Donation: Love Offering.

CLASSICS ON CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER10 Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30 PM

September 11 December 4 April 2 October 9 January 8 May 7 November 6 February 5 June 4 March 5

Grow in the practice of contemplative prayer by coming to these monthly sessions. The evenings include two 20-minute contemplative prayer periods. We will also view a 20-minute segment of Fr. Thomas Keating’s DVD series, “Opening to the Presence of God” and engage in good spiritual reading on contemplative prayer between sessions. This year we will continue to use The Heart of Centering Prayer, by Cynthia Bourgeault until January for our reading between sessions. We will read The Impact of God, by Iain Matthew, OCD, from February until June. Donation: $175, includes books.

PERSONAL RETREAT DAYWednesday, September 12 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Take a day away from the busyness of your life to rest a while in the Lord and experience God’s presence. Come to Francis House for silence, personal prayer and optional spiritual direction. The day begins and ends with a brief prayer together. Come to as many as you can. Donation: $10; $40 with spiritual direction. Please bring a bag lunch.

September 12 December 5 March 20 October 10 January 16 April 3 November 7 February 13 May 1

If you need or desire a retreat but simply cannot get away, please give yourself the gift of this retreat that invites you to pray through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius using two Jesuit resources: The Gift of Spiritual Intimacy by Monty Williams, SJ for our prayer and Stretched for Greater Glory by George Aschenbrenner, SJ as complementary reading. We will meet monthly for sharing and input on the next month’s prayer. This is a wonderful way to experience the Spiritual Exercises. Donation: $200, includes both books.

DISCERNMENT COURSE9 Wednesdays 5:00 – 6:30 PM

September 12 December 5 March 20 October 10 January 16 April 3 November 7 February 13 May 1

How can we know what is of God, and what isn’t? How can we actually live in the peace and joy of God’s Spirit, and not be overwhelmed with the darkness of our times, or our own darkness within? St. Ignatius teaches us well in his Rules for the Discernment of Spirits. Truly, they are life changing! This course is a wonderfully comprehensive treatment of Ignatian Discernment. We will further our experience of discernment with the practice of Examen, to enhance our awareness of God’s presence and action in our lives and grow in attentiveness to our daily response in the midst of our busy lives. Donation: $200, includes 2 books.

THE 12 STEPSA PATH TO RECOVERY9 Thursdays 8:30 – 10:00 AM

September 13 December 6 March 7 October 11 January 10 April 4 November 8 February 7 May 2

The 12 Steps are for all of us, as we all have attachments and addictions and we all desire freedom from them. This program will take us through the traditional 12 Steps that teach us to rely on God as our Liberator from our unhealthy habits. We will also use The Recovery Bible and accompanying workbook to help us pray with Scripture related to each Step. Whether you are new to the 12 Steps or are very familiar with them, you are welcome. If you’ve always wanted to do a 12 Step program but just haven’t had the opportunity, please come and give God a chance to set you free. Led by Mary DeJoseph and Deacon Bill Wilson. Donation: $25 for the books and a Love Offering for each session.

September 13 December 6 March 7 October 11 January 10 April 4 November 8 February 7 May 2

During this 2-hour session each month, we will combine the teachings of Trappist Monk, Fr. Thomas Keating on contemplation with our discussion of the classic on contemplative prayer, The Cloud of Unknowing. We will conclude each session with 20 minutes of contemplative prayer. This program is particularly for those who desire to deepen their practice of contemplative prayer, or centering prayer as we sometimes call it. Donation: $175, includes The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living by Fr. Keating and The Cloud of Unknowing, translated by Carmen Butcher. If you can, make a day of it by attending the St. John of the Cross series at 1:30 PM.

STUDY OF ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS9 Thursdays 1:30 – 3:30 PM

September 13 December 6 March 7 October 11 January 10 April 4 November 8 February 7 May 2

John of the Cross is all about love, not asceticism or annihilation as popularly believed. We continue our study of St. John, the first half of the year enjoying John’s shortest and most intimate work, The Living Flame of Love, followed by his Letters and Special Counsels in the second half of the year. John is all about God and God’s insatiable desire and pursuit of us. We end with 20 minutes of centering prayer. Donation: $175. If you can, make a day of it by attending the Thomas Keating series at 10:30 AM.

VESPER TIMEThursday, September 13 6:30 – 8: 30 PM

This is for the 65+ who are in or approaching the last third of life. Sometimes God saves the best until last! We will consider the many blessings and the many challenges of this graced time in life. We will pray over God’s call to us now to live well, to be an example to others, and to participate in this aging process with graciousness and hope. Come join with others who are “in the same boat,” so together we can move forward with clarity and purpose. Donation: $30, includes Vesper Time, a book perfect for the occasion!FRIDAY MORNING RETREATTHE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS9 Fridays 9:15 AM – 12:00 PM

September 14 December 14 March 1 October 19 January 4 April 5 November 16 February 1 May 10

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius provide some structure to your prayer time each day. Do you desire a more consistent and focused way to pray? Does God desire that for you? Can you give 30 minutes a day to God? If so, this retreat that meets monthly is for you! What the world needs most is prayer. Maybe what you need most is prayer too. The Exercises are life changing. They keep God at the center. Please come if God is inviting you. Donation: $225, includes two books.

September 14 December 14 March 1 October 19 January 4 April 5 November 16 February 1 May 10

This program and time is in response to a special request from some lovers of Julian. Julian of Norwich is one of those women mystics whose message has lasted over the centuries. She is best known for her quote, “All shall be well; all manner of things shall be well.” Julian offers confidence in confusion, calm in chaos, and soothing for the soul, because she is utterly focused on Jesus and his healing for us all. She is easy to understand and surprisingly relevant to our times. I’m looking forward to a great year under Julian’s care. If this Friday time works for you, please come. Donation: $175, includes books.

SPIRITUAL READING GROUP9 Fridays 6:30 – 8:30 PM

September 14 December 14 March 1 October 19 January 4 April 5 November 16 February 1 May 10

Good spiritual reading is a must for spiritual growth. Companions on the journey help with the practice of this spiritual exercise. This will be fun as well as fruitful. Can you devote one Friday night a month to this pursuit? As usual, we will feast on a variety of spiritual gems. Donation: $225, includes all books.In God’s Holy Light....................................Joan Chittister, OSBSacred Fire..................................................Ronald Rolheiser, OMIRadical Spirit...............................................Joan Chittister, OSBHaving a Mary Heart in a Martha World....Joanna WeaverCan You Drink This Cup?...........................Henri Nouwen

LIVING CONTEMPLATIVELY9 Saturdays 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM

September 15 December 15 March 2 October 20 January 5 April 6 November 17 February 2 May 11

This program calls out to those who desire to live more contemplatively in the world, to grow in union with God and others, and to become more aware, intentional, and free. God liberates us and heals us through the practice of contemplative prayer. Wonderful spiritual reading will support our contemplative prayer throughout the year. It’s worth a day a month and an hour a day. Bring a bag lunch. Tuition: $325

A MENTOR FOR A MONTHSunday, September 16 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

In our Catholic tradition, we have such a rich heritage of holy people. We call them saints, mystics or mentors. I’m going to invite you to choose one from among the following spiritual giants as your mentor for the month. Which one would you like as your companion? Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Catherine of Siena, Thomas Merton, Ignatius of Loyola, Thérèse of Lisieux, Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi and even Pope Francis? If your life with God needs just a little lift and you need a little inspiration, please come to this Sunday morning retreat. Donation: $25, includes book.

SSJ ASSOCIATESSundays 2:00 – 4:00 PM

September 16 December 9 April 28 October 28 January 20 May 19 March 10

All SSJ Associates please come! We will continue our study of SSJ Spirituality to take the charism of unity and reconciliation into our beloved world, which is in such great need of love. Come to as many as you can.

THE ARTIST’S WAYWALKING IN THIS WORLD9 Mondays 9:30 – 11:00 AM

September 17 December 10 March 4 October 15 January 14 April 1 November 12 February 4 May 6

Julia Cameron does it again! For those who have participated in The Artist’s Way, the journey to recovering God’s gift of your creative self continues in Walking in This World. Donation: $125, includes book. Led by Jill Snyder.

September 17 October 1, 15, 29 November 12, 26

We all know that making healthy changes to our diet and lifestyle can create the vibrant health we want in our lives. God created our bodies to be healthy, strong, and resilient. What we may not know, is how to make those changes. Whatever is going on in your busy, stress-filled life impacts your weight, your health and how you feel about yourself. This program is a non-diet, God-centered, whole-life approach to making small changes that create lasting results in health and wellness. Personal health coaching develops connections, gives confidence, and motivates you to develop solutions to meet your health challenges, all while feeling like you are having fun at a social event! What will next year look like if you start investing in your future health right now? Program includes materials and phone or email support between sessions. Presented by Colleen McNally, Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Limited to 5 persons. Register early. Donation: $150.

September 18 December 11 March 12 October 16 January 15 April 9 November 13 February 12 May 14

Those who care for others need also to care for themselves. Those who help others pray need also to take time for prayer. This monthly morning retreat will provide just that, time for prayer, sharing and silence to enrich and nourish the gracious listeners who give themselves so generously as spiritual directors. We will use The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius as the focus for our prayer. Donation: $175, book included.

SUPERVISION FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS9 Tuesdays 12:30 – 2:00 PM

September 18 December 11 March 12 October 16 January 15 April 9 November 13 February 12 May 14

OR

8 Thursdays 4:00 – 5:30 PM

September 13 January 17 April 4 October 11 February 14 May 16 November 8 March 14

We meet monthly for on-going prayer, supervision and support as we continue our ministry of spiritual direction. Donation: $175, materials included.

CHRIST’S PRESENCE IN ALLTHE COSMIC CHRIST9 Mondays 7:00 – 8:30 PM

September 17 December 10 March 4 October 15 January 14 April 1 November 12 February 4 May 6

Enjoy discovering Christ who is at the center of our lives and who permeates all creation throughout the universe. Ilia Delio, OSF, draws on mystics, saints and theologians to show how the love of God is at the heart of everything in the cosmos. Led by: Jill Snyder. Donation: $150, includes book.

Sometimes stress and our overly committed lives cause a state of being on edge, agitated, dissatisfied and scattered despite our best efforts to keep everything in balance. Often the one we need the most compassion for is ourselves. The Loving Kindness Prayer is a means of both receiving and giving compassion. God’s compassion becomes part of us and heals the hurt and anger we carry in our hearts. We will do some centering prayer too, and walk the labyrinth, time and weather permitting. Donation: $25, includes book.FRIENDS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA9 Wednesdays 9:00 – 11:00 AM

September 19 December 12 March 13 October 17 January 9 April 10 November 14 February 6 May 8

St. Teresa has the great gift of writing about her relationship with God in such a way that helps us know that intimacy with God is an invitation and gift to us all. Come join us as Teresa leads us on our journey to full union with God. This journey is for all of us. Each session will also include 20 minutes of contemplative prayer and part of a video on Teresa’s Interior Castle. We will read Tessa Bielecki’s Holy Daring and Falling into the Arms of God by Megan Don between sessions. Donation: $175, includes both books. If you can, stay for the program offered after lunch, Following the Mystics Through the Narrow Gate. I hope you can stay!

September 19 December 12 March 13 October 17 January 9 April 10 November 14 February 6 May 8

God made us with a longing that only God can satisfy. How can we access that place within where we know we are one with God, where there is a peace beyond our making? Can we learn to live our mystical lives, experiencing God’s Presence in all things? James Finley and Richard Rohr will lead us in their video series, first by helping us understand that we are all capable of a life of union with God and others. God made us for this and gives us that gift. They touch a place within us that is hard to find on our own. James Finley particularly touches my soul. We will read An Invitation to the Contemplative Life, by Thomas Merton between sessions throughout the year. Donation: $150, includes book.

Spend an evening connecting with God through the wonder of nature, the Word of God and the words of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. God’s love and creative energy resonates through all things. Let this time be an uplifting moment to be quietly aware of and enjoy God’s Presence. Led by Jill Snyder. Donation: Love Offering

THE MATURING OF YOUR SOULPILGRIMAGE INTO THE LAST THIRD OF LIFE4 Fridays 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

September 21 October 12 November 2 December 7

To age is to transition into the last period of growth. The invitation from God in the final years of life is to deeper intimacy, and to living more courageously, consciously and contemplatively from your soul, as you prepare for your eventual transition into new life. We are offering a 4-part series that meets monthly for the 65+ who are in this most graced season of life. Come to as many as you can. No need to attend all four. Donation: $25 per session, lunch included. You will receive some reading material for between sessions, and relevant books will be available for you if you wish to purchase them. Topics throughout the series will include:

Facing Aging and Dying

Five Spiritual Practices for Aging Well

Transforming Loneliness

The Art of Life Completion

Spiritual Eldering

Living with Limitation

The Importance of Prayer and Contemplation

The Powerlessness of Aging

Leaving Your Legacy

FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIESA MAN FOR ALL SEASONSFriday, September 21 6:00 – 8:30 PM

You may have viewed this film years ago or have seen the Broadway production. It is a wonderful story about true discipleship and the courage needed to follow our Lord closely and imitate his courage. St. Thomas More speaks to our hearts as we travel through our challenging times….and life. The evening begins with pizza at ​6:00 PM, movie at 6:30 PM. Donation: $20.

THE DIVINE DANCESaturday, September 22 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

This retreat day might change your understanding and experience of our Trinitarian God. Imagine yourself being invited into a Divine Dance with the Trinity! That might not be your usual image of being in relationship with God. Richard Rohr, OSF, reminds us in his book The Divine Dance that God is a holy community – Father, Son and Spirit, and that we are created in the image of community, with a deep longing to love and be loved. This book calls us to be like God, to belong to each other, to be one as God is one, and to refuse to live life in isolation. Can you give a day to explore your life with God? Donation: $40, lunch and book included.

Receive the healing and transforming grace of seven days with God, savoring the silence and prayer that open your whole being to God’s Word and Presence. Daily liturgy, spiritual direction and optional contemplative prayer periods are included. Donation: $500/$60 non-refundable deposit with registration.

Due to the frantic pace of contemporary life, it is essential for our spiritual and physical health to take time to pray. A weekend directed retreat offers you the opportunity to experience the graced rhythm of life in which silence and rest restore your body and God revives your soul. Liturgy, spiritual direction and optional contemplative prayer periods are included. Please register early. These fill quickly. Donation: $130/$50 non-refundable deposit with registration.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Please register for all programs by calling 609-877-0509. Be sure to include your full name and PHONE NUMBER and the title of the program on our voice mail. Registering by phone is preferred!